The Cambridge School of Weston, located only 20 minutes from Boston and Cambridge, has been at the forefront of educational innovation since its inception in 1886. Our progressive pedagogy is built upon the student-centered philosophy of John Dewey, who advocated active, experiential learning within a curriculum designed to accommodate the interests and experiences of individual students. In his eyes—and ours—education is not simply the acquisition of content and skills, but a way for students to realize their full potential and use the skills acquired for a greater good. With teachers as guides, students take ownership of their learning and their lives, preparing them to become informed, engaged and effective participants in a democratic society.

Our dynamic program develops students’ abilities to explore and engage with ideas—and people—with curiosity, courage, self-awareness, discipline, open-mindedness and a sense of personal responsibility. Purposeful classroom experiences and assessments allow students to develop and practice independent thinking, critical analysis, imaginative problem-solving, productive collaboration and constructive risk-taking. Our curriculum incorporates primary resources and multiple perspectives and emphasizes our commitment to human rights and social justice. Creativity is infused into every corner of our curriculum, from class projects to the studios to the playing fields. Teachers challenge students to push beyond perceived limitations and to make all of their work personally meaningful. Our students are skilled in making connections—across disciplines and between people—and are already engaged in their communities and the globalized, complex world they inhabit. Through participation, leadership, and service, they develop a sense of who they are and what they can accomplish.

At the heart of the CSW experience is the belief we have in our students, which is why we empower them from their first day on campus. They work with advisors to design an individualized schedule that strikes a balance of foundation and elective courses—allowing them to develop and refine academic skills and passionate interests. In classes, they’re asked to put a personally significant twist on course content, discussions and projects. They’re challenged to draw their own conclusions and to formulate and articulate their own point of view. Our supportive community encourages students to take risks that lead them to achieve more than they thought possible. They play an essential role in shaping our community and the policies that govern it, and they learn that they have the ability to create opportunities and initiate meaningful change.

CSW students feel how much everyone believes in them. They receive all the support they need to meet the high expectations we have of them. And in the end, they leave CSW a stronger, more confident, more mature version of themselves.

Facts and Figures:

65-acre campus in the beautiful and safe town of Weston, Massachusetts

6:1 student-to-faculty ratio

Boarding students come from 14 states and 11 countries

Over 300 classes offered each year, including renowned visual and performing arts classes